Manchester United’s Stoppage-Time Woes: The Stats Behind Their Late Collapse
Do you remember the days when Manchester United would dominate games in the dying minutes, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s watchful eye ensuring a late winner? Those were the days when United would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Fast forward to today, and the script has flipped. United are now notorious for conceding stoppage-time goals, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
One team that has consistently exposed United’s vulnerabilities is Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls have a higher winning percentage against United than any other Premier League team in history. It’s no surprise, then, that United’s latest defeat came at the hands of Brighton, courtesy of a 95th-minute winner from Joao Pedro.
James Sharpe dives into the stats behind Man United’s withering defence late in games
Joao Pedro scored a 95th-minute winner to as Brighton earned a 2-1 win over Man United
So, what’s behind United’s propensity for conceding late goals? The statistics paint a damning picture. United have dropped an astonishing 22 points from winning positions this season, with 12 of those points coming in the final 10 minutes of games. It’s a trend that has become all too familiar for United fans, who are left wondering what’s gone wrong.
One possible explanation is United’s inability to see out games. Ferguson’s United teams were notorious for their resilience and ability to grind out results, but this current crop seems to lack that same steel. Whether it’s a lack of leadership, poor game management, or simply a soft centre, United’s late collapses are becoming an all-too-familiar refrain.
As United look to rebuild and rediscover their winning formula, they would do well to examine the statistics behind their stoppage-time woes. Until then, fans will be left to ponder what might have been, as United’s season continues to unravel in the most dramatic of fashion.
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THE SHARPE END: When did Man United’s belly get so soft? The stats behind their continual stoppage-time demises – the opposite of Fergie Time
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